3 November 2012

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

CHEQUER Mead theatre marked its 15th birthday last month with the arrival of its one millionth visitor.

The one million people who have poured through the doors of the community theatre and arts centre over the past 15 years include the many children who have come to playgroups, classes, workshops and rehearsals, or to take part in annual school productions and presentations.

Others belong to the many community groups who use Chequer Mead for exhibitions, youth theatre, and classes including Zumba, belly and tap dancing, choir rehearsals and karate, or who have taken part in other activities from meetings to conferences.

East Grinstead resident Mrs Judy Ross, who arrived ahead of friends for last month’s production of Calendar Girls walked through the doors to be greeted by a rousing chorus of cheers from patrons who had already gathered to see the Friday night performance.

Then Town Mayor Liz Bennett and the new centre manager Nick Byrne presented Mrs Ross with a bouquet, donated by local florist Zara Flora, and a bottle of celebratory bubbly given by H T White.

Mrs Ross, who was completely surprised, quipped “my friends will be furious that I arrived first!”

A regular theatre-goer, Mrs Ross described the community centre as “a terrific asset in a small town”, and said she had enjoyed “a great many wonderful productions” at Chequer Mead.

Nick Byrne said: “We now need to ensure that the centre and its theatre is ready for the next 1,000,000 visitors, by refurbishing the auditorium, and by continuing to develop Chequer Mead as a hub for the whole town community.”

* Chequer Mead is launching a fundraising programme to pay for a £60,000 refurbishment.

The two-stage programme will start by offering seat sponsorship at £100 a time, which will allow theatregoers and local businesses the opportunity to play a permanent part in the continued success of the town’s community arts centre.